With Manchester City fans questioning his treatment of the club's manager, Sven Goran Eriksson, Shinawatra has turned to Bell Pottinger North and Chime founder Lord Bell.

Manchester City head of comms Paul Tyrell had previously been advising the controversial Shinawatra, who initially received swathes of negative coverage when he moved to buy the club last year.

Many fans were won over earlier this season by a dizzying round of star signings and Shinawatra clips on You-Tube, including one of him att­empting to sing Blue Moon.

Shinawatra was soon known as ‘Frank Sinatra' by the City fans, a name conjured up by the PR team to soften his image.

But Shinawatra has alienated fans by appearing to force out Eriksson. Sources close to Manchester City said: ‘Thaksin was accustomed to good coverage when he joined the club, and he wants that coverage back'.

Lord Bell continues to advise Shinawatra on his political interests as he strives to fight corruption charges.